Runaway Survival Guide: How to Stay Safe and Rebuild Your Life

Running away is a serious decision with potentially dangerous consequences. This guide is intended to provide information for individuals who have already made the difficult choice to leave home and are seeking to survive and stay safe. It is strongly recommended that you consider all other options, including seeking help from trusted adults, family members, or professional counselors, before running away. There are often resources available to address the issues that are making you want to leave. However, if you have already run away, or feel you have no other choice, this guide offers practical advice for survival.

**Disclaimer:** *This information is for guidance only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Running away can have legal ramifications, and seeking help from authorities is often the safest option. We strongly encourage you to contact a trusted adult, a crisis hotline, or law enforcement if you are in immediate danger.*

## Part 1: Immediate Survival – The First 72 Hours

The first few days after running away are critical. Securing basic necessities and establishing a safe routine are paramount. Here’s a breakdown:

**1. Safety First: Immediate Assessment**

* **Evaluate your immediate surroundings:** Are you in a safe location? Are there any immediate threats? If you feel unsafe, move to a more populated area or seek shelter in a public space like a 24-hour restaurant or library.
* **Assess your physical condition:** Are you injured or ill? Do you have any necessary medications? If you require medical attention, seek it immediately. Don’t hesitate to go to a hospital or clinic. Be prepared to explain your situation.
* **Evaluate your mental state:** Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Running away is incredibly stressful. Acknowledge your feelings and try to find healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please seek help immediately. Crisis hotlines are available 24/7.

**2. Finding Immediate Shelter**

* **Friends (Proceed with extreme caution):** Reaching out to a trusted friend may seem like the easiest option. However, consider the potential consequences for them and yourself. Sheltering a runaway can have legal repercussions for your friend’s family. Discuss this carefully and realistically before asking for help. Do not involve anyone who may put you in danger. Only contact people you trust implicitly and whose families you believe would not report you immediately.
* **Public Spaces:** Libraries, 24-hour cafes, bus stations, and train stations can provide temporary shelter, especially during the day. Be discreet and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Try to blend in and appear as if you are waiting for someone or working on something.
* **Churches and Religious Organizations:** Many churches and religious organizations offer assistance to those in need. They may be able to provide food, shelter, or referrals to other resources. Be respectful of their beliefs and customs. Approach them during open hours and explain your situation calmly.
* **Homeless Shelters:** While often a last resort, homeless shelters provide a safe place to sleep and eat. Be aware that they can be crowded and may have strict rules. Research shelters in your area and understand their intake process before arriving. Some may require identification or have age restrictions. Youth shelters specifically cater to young people and may be a better option.
* **Avoid Sleeping Outdoors Unprotected:** Sleeping outdoors leaves you extremely vulnerable to the elements, crime, and exploitation. Only consider this if absolutely no other option is available. If you must sleep outdoors, find a hidden, well-lit location and try to sleep in shifts with a trusted companion (if possible).

**3. Securing Food and Water**

* **Carry non-perishable food:** If you planned your escape, hopefully you brought some non-perishable food items like granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and canned goods (with a can opener).
* **Food Banks and Soup Kitchens:** Food banks and soup kitchens provide free meals to those in need. Find locations in your area and take advantage of their services.
* **Grocery Store Dumpster Diving (Proceed with extreme caution):** This is a risky option, but some people resort to dumpster diving behind grocery stores for discarded food. Be aware of the potential health risks and legal ramifications. Wear gloves and be extremely careful when handling discarded food. Prioritize safety and hygiene. Check local ordinances, as dumpster diving may be illegal in some areas.
* **Ask for Help:** While potentially embarrassing, asking for help from restaurants or grocery stores can sometimes yield positive results. Explain your situation and ask if they have any leftover food they are willing to donate.
* **Hydration is Key:** Dehydration can quickly become a serious issue. Carry a refillable water bottle and fill it whenever possible. Public restrooms, parks, and businesses often have water fountains. If you are unable to find potable water, consider purchasing bottled water or, as a last resort, boiling water found in nature (if a safe heat source is available) to kill bacteria.

**4. Maintaining Hygiene**

* **Public Restrooms:** Public restrooms are essential for basic hygiene. Use them to wash your hands, face, and body.
* **Gyms and Community Centers:** Gyms and community centers often have showers available for a small fee or membership.
* **Laundromats:** Laundromats provide a place to wash your clothes. Keeping your clothes clean will help prevent the spread of disease and improve your overall appearance.
* **Dry Shampoo and Wet Wipes:** Dry shampoo and wet wipes can help you stay clean when access to water is limited.

**5. Communication and Staying Connected (Use with Caution)**

* **Public Wi-Fi:** Libraries, cafes, and other public places offer free Wi-Fi. Use this to contact trusted friends or family members (if you choose to do so), access information, and search for resources. Be mindful of your online activity and avoid sharing personal information on unsecured networks.
* **Prepaid Phones:** A prepaid phone can be a valuable tool for communication. It allows you to make calls and send texts without a contract.
* **Crisis Hotlines:** Crisis hotlines are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance. They can help you cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also provide information about resources in your area.

**6. Financial Considerations (Even if you have no money)**

* **Assess your assets:** Even if you ran away with nothing, take stock of anything valuable you might have – a phone, a watch, clothing that can be sold, etc.
* **Panhandling (Proceed with caution and awareness of local laws):** Panhandling, or begging for money, is a common way for homeless people to generate income. However, it can be dangerous and may be illegal in some areas. Be aware of local laws and regulations before panhandling. Be respectful and avoid being aggressive or demanding.
* **Odd Jobs:** Look for odd jobs like yard work, cleaning, or pet sitting to earn money. Post flyers in public places or ask around in your neighborhood.
* **Plasma Donation:** Donating plasma can be a quick way to earn money. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks. Research plasma donation centers in your area and understand their requirements before donating.
* **Conserve Resources:** Be mindful of your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses. Every penny counts when you are trying to survive on your own.

## Part 2: Long-Term Survival – Building a Sustainable Life

Securing immediate needs is only the first step. Long-term survival requires establishing a sustainable life. This means finding stable housing, employment, and support.

**1. Securing Long-Term Housing**

* **Youth Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs:** Youth shelters and transitional housing programs provide safe and supportive housing for young people experiencing homelessness. These programs often offer case management services, job training, and educational support.
* **Affordable Housing Programs:** Research affordable housing programs in your area. These programs provide subsidized housing for low-income individuals and families. Be aware that there may be long waiting lists.
* **Roommates:** Finding a roommate can significantly reduce your housing costs. Look for roommates online or through community bulletin boards. Be sure to screen potential roommates carefully and establish clear expectations.
* **Consider Alternative Housing Options:** Think outside the box and explore alternative housing options like co-living spaces, hostels (for short-term stays), or even living in a vehicle (if legal and safe in your area).
* **Building a Good Rental History:** Document all your rental payments and maintain good relationships with your landlords. A positive rental history will make it easier to find housing in the future.

**2. Finding Employment**

* **Start with Entry-Level Jobs:** Focus on finding entry-level jobs in industries like retail, food service, or cleaning. These jobs often have lower barriers to entry and can provide a steady income.
* **Utilize Job Boards and Online Resources:** Use online job boards like Indeed, Monster, and Craigslist to search for job openings.
* **Network:** Let people know you are looking for a job. Attend job fairs and networking events. Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances.
* **Develop Your Skills:** Identify in-demand skills and take steps to develop them. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or volunteering to gain experience.
* **Create a Resume and Cover Letter:** A well-written resume and cover letter can make a big difference in your job search. Highlight your skills and experience, even if you don’t have a lot of formal work experience.
* **Practice Your Interview Skills:** Practice answering common interview questions. Dress professionally and arrive on time for your interviews. Show enthusiasm and be prepared to explain why you are a good fit for the job.
* **Consider Temporary Agencies:** Temporary agencies can help you find short-term jobs that can lead to permanent employment.
* **Be Persistent:** Finding a job can take time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you face rejection. Keep applying and keep networking.
* **Legal Considerations for Minors:** Understand the child labor laws in your state. There may be restrictions on the types of jobs you can hold and the hours you can work. You may need to obtain a work permit.

**3. Education and Skill Development**

* **GED or High School Diploma:** Obtaining a GED or high school diploma is essential for long-term success. It will open doors to better job opportunities and higher education.
* **Vocational Training:** Consider vocational training programs to learn a trade or develop a specific skill.
* **Community College:** Community colleges offer affordable education and training in a variety of fields.
* **Online Learning:** Online learning platforms like Coursera and edX offer a wide range of courses and certificates.
* **Financial Aid:** Explore financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and loans to help pay for your education.

**4. Building a Support System**

* **Connect with Supportive Adults:** Seek out mentors, counselors, or other supportive adults who can provide guidance and support.
* **Join Support Groups:** Support groups can provide a sense of community and help you connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
* **Reconnect with Family (If Safe and Appropriate):** If possible, consider reconnecting with family members. They may be able to provide emotional and practical support. This should only be done if you feel safe and if reconciliation is a possibility.
* **Therapy:** Therapy can help you process your experiences, cope with stress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
* **Avoid Toxic Relationships:** Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Avoid relationships that are abusive, manipulative, or draining.

**5. Legal Considerations**

* **Age of Majority:** Understand the age of majority in your state. Once you reach the age of majority, you are legally considered an adult and have the right to make your own decisions.
* **Emancipation:** Emancipation is a legal process that allows a minor to become legally independent of their parents or guardians. Requirements vary by state.
* **Reporting Abuse or Neglect:** If you are running away from an abusive or neglectful situation, it is important to report it to the authorities.
* **Legal Aid:** If you need legal assistance, contact a legal aid organization.
* **Consider the Implications of Being a Runaway:** Running away can have legal consequences, including being considered a status offender. Understand the laws in your state and the potential penalties.

**6. Mental Health and Well-being**

* **Acknowledge Your Feelings:** Running away is a traumatic experience. Acknowledge your feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety.
* **Practice Self-Care:** Take care of your physical and emotional needs. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, and engage in activities you enjoy.
* **Mindfulness and Meditation:** Mindfulness and meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety.
* **Seek Professional Help:** Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
* **Avoid Substance Abuse:** Avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress. Substance abuse can worsen your mental health and lead to other problems.
* **Set Realistic Goals:** Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments.
* **Forgive Yourself:** Forgive yourself for any mistakes you have made. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

## Part 3: Resources and Support

There are many organizations and resources available to help runaway and homeless youth.

* **National Runaway Safeline:** 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) – Provides crisis support, referrals, and resources for runaway and homeless youth.
* **Covenant House:** Provides shelter, food, and other services to homeless youth.
* **Youth Shelters:** Search online for youth shelters in your area.
* **2-1-1:** Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local resources for food, housing, health care, and other needs.
* **The Trevor Project:** Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. 1-866-488-7386.
* **Childhelp USA:** Provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals for child abuse and neglect. 1-800-422-4453.
* **National Alliance to End Homelessness:** Provides data and resources about homelessness in the United States.
* **Street Outreach Programs:** Many cities have street outreach programs that provide services to homeless individuals in their communities.

**Important Considerations and Ethical Dilemmas**

* **Reaching Out to Family:** The decision of whether or not to contact your family is deeply personal and should be made with careful consideration. If you are running away from abuse or neglect, contacting your family may not be safe or advisable. However, if your reasons for running away are related to conflict or misunderstanding, reaching out to your family may be a step towards reconciliation. Consider the potential risks and benefits carefully before making a decision. Talk to a trusted adult or counselor for guidance.
* **Dependency on Others:** While it’s important to seek help from resources and support systems, avoid becoming overly dependent on others. Strive to develop self-sufficiency and independence. Learn to advocate for yourself and take responsibility for your own life.
* **Exploitation:** Runaway and homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Be aware of the risks of human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation. Be cautious about accepting help from strangers and avoid situations that could put you in danger. Trust your instincts and seek help if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
* **The Impact on Others:** Consider the impact your decision to run away has on others, including your family, friends, and community. While your safety and well-being are paramount, it’s important to be mindful of the pain and concern your actions may cause.

Running away is a challenging and often dangerous experience. While this guide provides information to help you survive, remember that seeking help from trusted adults and authorities is often the safest and most effective option. There are people who care about you and want to help you get back on track. Never give up hope.